Premier League: How important is a quick start to the season?

Which team can be hopeful of a flying start?

Statisticians Opta have rated the difficulty of each side’s first five games.

Manchester United and Arsenal, who meet on the opening day, are judged to have the two most difficult starts.

United also play Manchester City and Chelsea in their next four games, while Arsenal take on Liverpool and City.

Probably not ideal for United boss Ruben Amorim, who many think needs a good start to the campaign after last season’s 15th-placed finish.

Aston Villa are deemed to have the easiest start, followed by Crystal Palace and West Ham.

Despite playing Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool in their opening five games, Burnley are judged to have the fourth best start thanks to an early relegation six-pointer at home against fellow promoted side Sunderland.